Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 21,771, John Gonsolve, R.I.

SERVICE
NUMBER
RG
Gonsolve, John. Gonsalva or
S 21.771.
CONTENTS

15044 Rhode Island
John Gonsolve
of Providence in the State of R.I. State of who was a Seaman in the Company commanded by Captain Y. G. of the R. commanded by Col. Elliott in the R.I. State time for 1 Year 1 Year and 1 Year 1 Year of service
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of $10 - Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20th day of May 1833 and last May 1833 Darius Brownell R.I.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1831 $200.00 Pension allowance ending 4 Sept. 50.00 $250.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by N. H. Adorn Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 2 nd Page 111

John Gonsolve
119
4
22184

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Rhode-Island District, sc. August Term 1832
County of Providence
On this 18 th day of September A.D. 1832 personally appeared in open Court, being a special District Court of the United States within and for said District, now in session—
John Gonsalve a resident of Providence in the County of Providence and State of Rhode Island aged 79 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress, passed June 7, 1832, viz.
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated.
He was born December 29 th 1752 in Portugal has no record of his birth, he came to this country in 1770 and lived in Providence when he entered the service & has always resided there since the War —
and this applicant further states that early in 1777 he enlisted & served twelve months as a private in Capt John Garesies Company Col Robert Elliott's regiment of Rhode Island Artillery. When his time was out he left the regiment to go on board the Frigate Providence, it being very difficult to procure seamen —
and this applicant further states that in February 1778 he enlisted on board the Frigate Providence as a seaman under Commodore Abraham Whipple, the Frigate was in the employ of the United States, & in April following sailed for France. On their way through the British fleet then in the harbor of Newport, they went to France & returned in the winter following having been on board of said Frigate a year —
For services on board said Frigate his name has been placed on the pension roll at the rate of eight dollars per month under the acts of Congress of March 18 th 1818 & May 1 st 1820 which he hereby relinquishes being entitled to a little larger pension under the Act of June 7 th 1832
and this applicant further states that after his return from France, in April 1779 he again enlisted as a gunner in same Capt John Garesies company & Col Robert Elliott's regiment of R.I. Artillery, for twelve months & served.

month under the acts of Congress of March 18 th 1818 & May 1 st 1820 which he hereby relinquishes being entitled to a little larger pension under the Act of June 7 th 1832
and this applicant further states that after his return from France, in April 1779 he again enlisted as a gunner in same Capt John Garsies company & Col Robert Elliott's regiment of P. S. Artillery for twelve months & served until his time expired & was honorably discharged - as gunner he had 10 dollars per month being the pay of a sergeant, so that he is entitled to that sum as he supposes under the late Act of Congress -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of the Agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed, the day and year aforesaid.
Christopher Blawell John Gonsalves
Blacksmith residing in the
Joseph Rawson of Providence in the county of Providence being 72 years of age on oath do depose and say that I have been acquainted with John Gonsalves who is now before me ever since the Revolutionary War, said John was a soldier in Col Robert Elliott's regiment of Artillery during the years service from April 1779 to April 1780 said John enlisted for year as a gunner & served until his time expired & was honorably discharged, this is within my perfect recollection as I was in the same regiment during the same time & I belonged to Capt Garsie's company & said John to Capt Garsie's, & I further testify that the said John is a man of truth & veracity this statement is entitled to credit -
Joseph Rawson
Sept 18 1832 Christopher Blawell Sworn to in open court

Joseph Rawson of Providence in the county of Providence being 72 years of age on oath do depose and say that I have been acquainted with John Gonsolus who is now before me ever since the Revolutionary War, said John was a soldier in Col Robert Elliott's Regiment of Artillery, during the years service from April 1779 to April 1780 said John enlisted for year as a gunner, & served until his time expired & was honorably discharged, this is within my perfect recollection, as I was in the same regiment during the same time & I belonged to Capt. Leavitt's Company & said John to Capt. Hazzies, & I further testify that the said John is a man of truth & veracity this statement is entitled to credit —
Joseph Rawson
Sept 18 1832 notary B. Cowell Clerk Sworn to in open court 3
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that Joseph Rawson who has signed the preceding certificate, is a Glycerian resident in the  Joseph Rawson testified for the said applicant and that who also signed the same is a resident in the as he states and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, BENJAMIN COWELL, Clerk of said District Court, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of John Gonsolus for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this 27th day of December 1832
Benjamin Cowell Clerk

S. H. G. ...
24/15
March 10/19
©

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
RHODE-ISLAND DISTRICT.
Providence, sc.
District Court, Special Term, June 2 nd A. D. 1820
On this 28 th day of June , 1820, personally appeared in open Court, being a Court of Record within and for said District aged 60 years, residing in the town of Providence in said District County who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath declare, that he served in the Revolutionary War as follows: That he served in the Brigade Providence, a Detach d of men in the service of the United States commanded by Abraham Whipple Esq r , as a mariner for more than nine months that he made a previous declaration on the thirtyfirst day of March 1818; and that he has received a certificate for a pension, being No. 2415 And I do solemnly swear, that I was a resident citizen of the United States on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen; and that I have not since that time, by gift, sale, or in any manner whatever, disposed of my property, or any part thereof, with intent thereby so to diminish it, as to bring myself within the provisions of an Act of Congress, entitled "An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land and naval service of the United States, in the revolutionary war," passed on the eighteenth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen: that I have not, nor has any person in trust for me, any property or securities, contracts or debts, due to me; nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed, and by me subscribed.
John Gonsolve
A SCHEDULE of Property and Income (necessary clothing and bedding excepted) of John Gonsolve
Ny 1 Wheelbarrow, 1 old skiff, 1 Oyster rake, one desk, 2 pots, eight old chairs & four knives and forks, 1 Board wainers Bench a few too and perhaps some other articles of household furniture, not now recollected in particular.
And this declarant further saith that he is a Board wainers by trade but is unable to work at that trade in consequence of a hurt received about nineteen years ago - that before he received a pension he was maintained in a great measure by the town of Providence as a pauper, that he has a wife who can do but little beside maintaining herself
John Gonsolve
Rhode Island District District Court Sworn to and declared in open court in the 2 nd day of June 1820 before David Howell District Judge
RHODE-ISLAND DISTRICT.
Clerk's Office of the District Court, A. D. 1820
I, Benjamin Howell Clerk of said Court do hereby certify, that the foregoing oath, and the schedule thereto annexed, are truly copied from the record of the said Court; and I do further certify, that it is the opinion of the said Court, that the amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule, is Twenty dollars and In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the said Court, on this Seventeenth day of July 1820
Benjamin Howell Clerk of said Court

22 184 John Gonsolue N.S.
Summer of 184 1 year Winter 1 year
2
B. Bowell
Hon. Tristan Bangs Providence R.I.

BRIEF in the case of John Gonsolve 60. of Providence in the State of R.I. (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Open Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 79  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years. Months. Days.     In 1777. enlisted 1 Private Gen. Cap Gage Col Elliot   Feb. entered 1778 on Board 1 Seaman Commodore Myles   Apr 1779 enlisted 1 Artillery Gunner Cap Gage Col Elliot  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? fought there way through Bk. Fleet  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Providence R.I.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditionary evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? one living witness  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? the papers are not attached 
I certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
George Sayth
Examining Clerk.

Providence 22 nd May 1820
I hereby certify that John Gausolue now residing in this Town is well known to me and I believe him to be a very poor Man, so much so that he has received assistance from the Town by me as overseer of the Poor for a number of years
Wm. Larned O. P.

Providence August 25 th 1858
The undersigned Certifies according to the best of his recollection (his papers relating hereto being lost) that he entered onboard the Frigate Providence Abraham Delaphile B. of Command on early in the month of March 1842 at which time John Consallee was onboard as a Mariner That he served onboard said Frigate during her voyage from hence & back to Boston in America & was discharged from said Frigate sometime in October or November then following — He also Certifies that the circumstances related by John Howland in his Deposition of this date are not materially incorrect & that the facts stated are generally correct & also that we were probably from six weeks to two months receiving the Frigates crew
The above Certificate joined the Frigate sometime in March & she sailed April 30 th at night
Yours James Otis Dett

Two thousand payable on the 4 th March and 4 th September of each year at the Branch Bank of the United States in Providence Rhode Island.
Recorded

WAR DEPARTMENT.
Revolutionary Claim
I CERTIFY, That in conformity with the Law of the UNITED STATES, of the 18 th of March 1818
John Gonsalva late a Mauser in the
navy of the revolutionary war is inscribed on the Pension List, Roll of the Rhode Island Agency , at the rate of eight dollars cents per month, to commence on the thirty first day of March one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
GIVEN at the WAR OFFICE of the UNITED STATES,
this Seventeenth day of September one thousand eight hundred and eighteen
J. C. Calhoun Secy of war

Resolution
21 771 INVALID.
File No. 21 771
John Franklin Marine Rev. Rev.
Act: June 7 th 82 nd
Index:—Vol. 2 , Page 157
[Arrangement of 1870.]

24415
Rhode Island Roll
John Gonsalva
Ship Mariner Providence, Capt. Whipple
In the army of the United States during the Revolutionary War
Inscribed on the Roll of Rhode Island at the rate of eight Dollars per month, to commence on the 31. of March 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 of Sep: 1818 and forwarded to David Howland Esq. Providence R. Island
Arrears to 4th of Sep. 1818 $ 41. 31 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Mar 1819  48. 00
Ans 5 mos. 1 day. $ 89: 39
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
One Year
1778-9 months
Continued
Providence, Providence County
Naturalization sent Sept. 27. 1820 to [illegible] John Gonsalva

John Gonsolva David Howell, Esq.; Judge, Providence, Rh: Isl. Mar: 31. 1818
John Gonsolva, Mariner, Frigate Providence, Revolutionary Claim.
There are no rolls, or other record in the pension office, to prove the service of this applicant. The testimony, on oath, of two or more disinterested and credible persons, proving the service stated by the Claimant, and that it was on continental establish- ment. — is required The certificate of Captain Jones seems to bar the claim, as not having been for service of nine months.

I John Gonsalves of Providence in the District of Rhode Island on solemn oath do declare & say -
That I enlisted as a sailor on board the Frigate Providence, a vessel in the service of the United States, commanded by Abraham Whipple Esquire in the month of January 1778, - on which vessel I continued to serve until October or November following - The Frigate went to France & then back to Boston, - I further declare that I am now reduced to indigent circumstances & stand in need of the assistance of my country - I further declare that I enlisted for one year, unless sooner discharged and that on the arrival of the Frigate at Boston I was regularly discharged John Gonsalves I never had any written discharge
Providence Island Feb. 3, 1820,
Sworn to before Dorr Allen District Judge The nine months required could not be better recollected or ascertained by Mr Gonsalves who is in his sixty sixth year and very poor. D. H.
To
The Hon: J. C. Calhoun Secretary of War.

Rhode Island District
In Providence this 31 st day of March 1818 - I hereby certify that the signature of the judge & the seal of the District Court of the United States for said District are hereunto affixed
Witnesses Benjamin Cowell Clerk of Dist Court

Deposition of John Horwood

John Horwood of Providence in the County of Providence & State of Rhode Island being now in the 88 th year of my age - on oath declare & say that I was personally acquainted with John Gonsalves of Providence & formerly a mariner on board the Frigate Providence, a ship of War in the service of the United States, Abraham Whipple Esq Commander - according to the best of my recollection - I entered on board said Vessel in the month of January 1778, while she was recruiting in the Port of Providence as a quarter Gunner I remember that John Gonsalves was on board at the same time - How long he had been on board before that time I do not know - He continued in the Port of Providence until the last of April following when we sailed for France - I recollect also we sailed in the night season to avoid the British fleet then lying in Newport Harbour, But before we got out - we fell in with the Lark Frigate then lying between Conimicut Point & Warwicks neck; - we fought with said Frigate more than half an hour before we beat her off - (after our return from France I went in a Flag to Newport and in conversing with some of the Crew of the Lark I found she had 19 killed & wounded -)

After we had beaten off the Lock Frigate as afore- said, we proceeded on an new voyage to France where anchored in Naples since, - we lay in that since about three months - Then we proceeded to Boston where we lay about three weeks where we sailed for the United States in company with the Boston Frigate & Ranger, Flag of War - we arrived in Portsmouth in New Hampshire in the month of October where we lay about three weeks afterwards we proceeded to Boston where we arrived in November following - when the crew were discharged - said Gonzales was on board said Kessel during all the time she lay recruiting in Providence from January in 1778. until November following, towards the latter part of said month, - a Mr Pitcher was sent a Mr Daniel said Friend , & a Mr Patrick Pitcher was 3 d Lieutenant on board of said Kessel - all of whom I believe now one dead - William Jones was Captain of Morines - I understand we carried despatches to Doctor Franklin and Minister there in France - and then brought home a large quantity of arms & ammunition - for the army of the United States - John Hoxwood .
Sworn to 21 August 1818

Rhode Island District ss -
Be it remembered that on this 21st day of August 1818, came before me Benjamin Lowell Commissioner of the District Court of the United States for said District to take depositions to be used in all cases pending in said Court, dwelling in Providence in said District, John Horwood subscribes to the preceding Deposition & made oath to the truth of the facts contained in the same. said Deposition was taken at the request of John Gonsalves to be used as evidence before the District Judge and of him to be transmitted to the War Depart- ment on his the said John's Gonsalves application for a pension - said Deposition was reduced to writing by me & subscri- bed by the said Horwood in my presence -
Benjamin Lowell Commrs - ss

Deposited by Rev A Johnson

I John Arthur Johnson of Providence in the county of Providence & State of Rhode Island being now in my 67 th year on oath depose & say that I am personally acquainted with John Gonsalves of said Prov- idence & formerly a mariner on board the Frigate Providence a Vessel of War in the service of the United States - Abraham Whipple Esq Commander. According to the best of my recollection I entered on board said Vessel about three months before she sailed for France, as Master's Mate - Gonsalves was on board the Vessel when I entered - & so continued during all our voyage to France & back to the United States, - when we arrived in Portsmouth in New Hampshire in October, where we lay about three weeks when we were ordered to Boston where we arrived the latter part of November following & were discharged - I remember our fight with the Lark Frigate in the night - when we first sailed - I recollect also we brought a quantity of arms & ammunition from France for the army of the United & further the Deponent saith not
John Arthur Johnson
Rhode Island District
In Providence August 21- 1818.
This day came before me the above named John Arthur Johnson & made oath to the truth of the facts contained in the above deposition of him subscribed
Benjamin Cowell Notary Public

William Waterman of Cranston in the County of Providence & State of Rhode Island being now in the 59 th year of my age - on declare and say that I am personally acquainted with John Gonsalves of Providence & formerly a mariner on board The Frigate Providence I remember it was about the last of April 1798 when I entered as first Lieutenant of Marines on board said Frigate then lying in the harbor of Providence - said Gonsalves was on board when I entered but how long he had before I do not recollect - we sailed the next day after I entered The Frigate Providence was built in Providence Mounting about 30 Guns - was commanded by Abraham Whipple Esq, was in the service of the United States - & her voyage to France was her first voyage - She was recruiting a very cons- =siderable time before we sailed - but how long I cannot say - I recollect the circumstance that it was found very difficult to enlist seamen, being generally understood - that it would be very difficult - to get out, without fighting - the British, then like Newport - and other places were very poorly manned, - so much so, that after our arrival in France - we obtained liberty to enlist 70 or 80 Frenchmen - upon condition that we should deliver them over to the French Fleet after our arrival in the United States.

The circumstances relative to our voyage to France and back to the United States - as related by John Horracod in his deposition of the 21 of August inst. (said deposition having been read to me) appear to me to be generally correct - & further the deponent rather not -
W m Waterman
Rhode Island District
Providence August 24. 1818. I certify that on this day William Waterman subscriber to the preceding deposition, came before me & made oath to the truth of the facts contained in the same I further certify that said Deposition was reduced to writing by me in his presence & subscribed by him in my presence & was taken to be used before the District Judge for said District on the application of John Gonsolue for a pension & by his request
Witness Benjamin Cowell
Commissioner authorized to take depositions of the Dist. Court - &c.

Samuel Godfrey of Providence in the County of Providence in the State of Rhode Island being now the 75 th year of my age - that on a certain day in the year 1778 I was employed as a Pilot to pilot the Frigate Providence , a Vessel of War then in the service of the United States, - commanded by Abraham Whipple Esq r bound on a voyage to France - It was about 7 o'clock P.M. when we got under way I piloted said Vessel down the Bay as far as Watch Hill, where I left her - soon after I left her I saw the flash of the guns then about 9 in the Evening, & afterwards I was  was informed the Providence had fought with a British ship of war - According to the best of my recollection the Providence lay in the Harbour of Providence recruiting her crew nearly six months - before she sailed - She rated as a 32 Gun Frigate, was built in Providence & this was her first voyage - Samuel Godfrey
Rhode Island District
In Providence August 21 - 1818.
This day came before me the above named Samuel Godfrey & made oath to the truth of the facts contained in the Deposition of him subscribed -
Benjamin Cawell Commissioner & authorized by the Dist Court to take depositions &c -

Providence Island District 26 Aug. 1818.
I certify that the foregoing Depositions of John Harwood, William Waterman, John Arthur Johnson and Samuel Godfrey were taken before B. Lowell Dyer, a Commissioner authorized thereto by the District Court. Samuel Godfrey is personally well known to me and a credible witness, and I have no reason to doubt of the credibility of the others.
David Howell District Judge.
John Godfrey Deft.

John Gonsalves
Centre Okeanus of the floor

Providence Aug st 24. 1818.
We the undersigned who now constitute the Board of Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Providence — hereby certify that John Gonsolve (who we understand has made application to be placed upon the Pension List of the United States) is now, and has been for several years past on the Poor list of said Town of Providence, and draws constant supplies therefrom.
W m Learned
Joseph Gull
James Rhode
Overseers.
Wickford District 26 Aug. 1818.
The above named are overseers of the poor for the Town of Providence. D. Howell Dist. Judge.